Pickwick Teas: A Dutch brand, with ties to Dickens and Austen, that promotes conversation

Pickwick tea, its roots dating back to the18th century, has ties to Dickens and Austen

 

Last week, as part of my Holland, Michigan tulip extravaganza which included a tour of a tulip farm and a stop at their gift shop, I purchased the "Dutch" tea blend from Pickwick, the largest tea brand in the Netherlands with roots dating back to the mid-18th century. 

Founded by Egbert Douwe and his wife, Akken in 1753, the couple sold coffee, tea and tobacco in Joure, Friesland. Almost two centuries later, the company was run by Johannes Hessel and it was his wife, a Charles Dickens enthusiast, who influenced the tea company's new name from Douwe Egbart to Pickwick.

Is there always a Jane Austen connection?

Rhetorical, but, mostly, yes! Charles Dickens was a frequent guest of the White Hart Inn, owned by Eleazer Pickwick, hence the inspiration for the title, "The Pickwick Papers". The same White Hart Inn is mentioned in Jane Austen's persuasion.

Unless you speak Dutch, you'll need a translator to spark conversation.

As we noted in a previous Holland-themed blog, there's a lot of "good feelz" with this company (Rainforest Alliance certification, member of Ethical Tea Partnership) and its mission to also promotes good conversation with a kick-off question on every tea label.  Per Pickwick's website, the provoking inquiries are a way to "encourage everyone to take more time for each other". 

But, take note, you will need Google translate. The petite probes are in Dutch. Our first question was:  "What surprising insight have you gained recently?".   (Perhaps, I would respond, all the great English literature connections to Pickwick teas.)

According to Jane Pettigrew's, "A Social History of Tea", the Dutch, along with the Portuguese, were the first to import tea from China to Europe. It was the Dutch who won the monopoly on the spice trade while England was struggling to get a foothold on tea imports from Asia. In fact, when the Brits wanted to gift a box of tea to King Charles II and, his queen from Portugal, Catherine, in 1664, they had to buy it from Dutch merchants.

Happily, England's East India Trading Company did gain traction in the tea trade shortly after and, no surprise, they caught up fast. Soon, tea would be the most popular drink in the country.

Now, back to the Netherlands. . . 

Pickwick Dutch Blend review

This was our first introduction to this tea brand, and specifically the "Dutch" blend. We thought it was "heel goed" (very good).  Ingredients are black tea and orange peel and, per the label, it scores two leaves out of four on the intensity scale (with four leaves being the most intense). It's an inoffensive blend that should appeal to many - a bit of an "Earl Grey lite". 

And, with the brand's English lit connections, we say, Pickwick Dutch tea, has much to recommend.

Tulip Festival in Holland: Tea, tulips and tremendous western Michigan sunsets!

Visiting a tulip farm in Holland, beautiful and "festival-adjacent".

Tulips are blooming in Holland, Michigan

Tulips bright colored and gay.

Dance on the scrubbed streets of Holland, Michigan

When tulips bloom in May.

The lyrics above are taken from the first verse of a song I was taught in elementary school, and, although, that was a very long time ago, and I've lived in Michigan all my life, I had never been to my home state's much celebrated tulip festival - that is until last week. And, true to the tune, it was in Holland, in May, when tulips bloom!

Last weekend, my cousin, Dianne, organized a "Sistahs' " (Dianne, my cousin, Kathy and myself) spring outing at her home, conveniently and enviably located a stone's throw from Lake Michigan. The focus of our get-together was nearby Holland's Tulip Festival where one can soak in the spectacular display of hundreds of different varieties of the honored flower.

With our respective conflicting schedules and mounting crowds leading up to the weekend, we opted for "Plan B":   a detour from downtown Holland to tour Veldheer Tulip Garden, a fully operational flower farm with adjoining gift shops featuring Dutch cookies, tea and Delft china as well as a wooden shoe factory.

Entry to the Veldheer Tulip Garden.

Tulips, bright colored and gay!

Veldheer does have an entry charge of $17.00 per adult, but not a bad price to view 850 different types of tulips with a collective count of over five million. Rows and rows of colorful blooms greet you during what can easily be a two to three mile walk.  It's a picture-postcard immersion of gorgeous hues - an idyllic spot to get your steps in.

Walking the rows and rows of tulips, one can easily take in a two to three mile walk.

At the gift shop, I purchased the "Dutch" tea blend from Pickwick, the largest tea brand in the Netherlands with roots dating back to the mid-18th century. (watch for our upcoming story/review of Pickwick tea).  

Along with all the good feelz that come with Pickwick teas (Rainforest Alliance certification, member of Ethical Tea Partnership), it also promotes good conversation with a kick-off question on every tea label. (Although, this is not something the Sistahs ever need assistance with.)

Sistahs, no conversation starters needed.

Prime sunsets on Lake Michigan 

Our weekend in Holland was filled with flowers, marathon chit-chats (see directly above) and, the best, bar none, sunsets over Lake Michigan.  If there's anything better than indulging in scenic Michigan destinations, it's doing so with the best of company. 

I think it's time to revise Verse 2 of our tulips tune:

Tulips were blooming in Holland, Michigan

They gave quite a show in May,

We avoided the crowded streets of Holland, Michigan

But still had tulips, sunsets and (lots to) say!

Gilded Age at Sterling Heights Library: BTS strikes gold with great friends, impressive venue and delightful guests

An evening filled with great friends and awesome guests. Theresa K., Barb G., Laura Q. and Pam B.

With great friends, impressive venue and a room full of delightful guests, one could say Barb's Tea Service struck gold last week at the Sterling Heights Public Library as we presented our Gilded Age Tea Talk.

Gilded Age Tea Talk in Sterling Height's beautiful presentation room.

At the referral of cher amie, Theresa K., who is an active volunteer at both the library and the neighboring Upton House, we were connected to Mitchell M., librarian and the host of last Wednesday's event. Joined by BTS best-tea, Pam B., who helped with beverage set up and check-in, and longtime comrade, Laura Q., the room was quickly filled with fantastic folks ready to take a trip back to the 19th-century with the likes of the Vanderbilts and Astors and hear about the conflicts between the old and new money.

April-birthday wins BTS Double ginger tea

Fantastic folks joining us on Gilded Age journey

While sharing some of our Gilded Age home visits of our past, we also added our most recent trip to Troy, New York, where last August, we took in a tour of HBO's Gilded Age on-location film sites.

We also included hometown Gilded Age connections that tied to the "Commodore" and Thomas Edison as well as notable wealthy Detroiters of the era and their homes - some of which still stand today.

While we presented an April-birthday guest with a package of our soon-to-be launched BTS tea, we were also gifted a few Gilded Age locations recommendations for future sojourns to this intriguing era in U.S. history.

Thanks to all who joined us at the Sterling Heights Library!

HBO's Gilded Age, Season 3, premiers June 22!

Happy Mother's Day: Make it one for the books (Reposting Mother's Day blog, May, 2016)

Me and my Mom always ready for a day out, if it's scheduled

This post is from BTS blog, May, 2016. In nine years since, incredible folks have joined our family and I'm thrilled to be not only a mom, but "mother-in-law", too! Whoever in your life you wish to honor today, Happy Mom's Day to all. 💗

Mother's Day is time to honor all moms for all they do and all they mean to us. I'm no exception to paying tribute on this holiday, but seriously consider my good fortune all year round.  I was lucky to have an incredible mom. I'm also equally fortunate to be a mom to three amazing children.

Although it's been twelve years since my mom passed away, there's not a day that goes by that I don't think of her. I know she'd be thrilled to hear about how her grand-kids are doing, although she wouldn't be surprised by any of their successes, as she knew them to be the smartest, cutest, and most wonderful grandchildren ever. Part of her legacy lives in their strong will and independent thinking, but for me I've also got a collection of books that keeps me connected to her all the time.

December, 1989 when I became a mom of 3 (Rob, Rachel and Matt)

But a little backstory first. .

The fact that my mom was only eight when she lost her own mother, (and my dad when she was only 52), makes her story of strength, selflessness and devotion to her family even more incredible and, always from my perspective, inspirational.

We were close and enjoyed each other's company, although we differed in so many respects. My mom was a neat freak, with a schedule that was never departed from, even if something fun came along. I keep a clean enough house, but if you want to invite me for tea or shopping, I'll cancel the utensil drawer reorganization in a New York minute.

Along that ordered lifestyle, my mom would fill up her gas tank when it was still  three quarters full. A constant source of anxiety for my mom was my habit of  never pulling into a gas station  until the "E" light was flashing on my dashboard.

But my mom and I agreed on a lot more than we disagreed:  passion for family, politics, fine dining, vacationing, and bar none, that she had the best grandchildren in the world.

There are so many times, I wish I could call my mom and say, "you were right!", or, even at the age of 58, I'd desperately ask, "what should I do now?", because she would always know.

But we're still connected by memories, photos and oh, so many books!!

In recent years, I've found my mom talking to me through her book collection. After she retired,  and the newspaper strike ensued, my mom poured into books of all subjects. She frequented Borders and used-books stores with her list of tomes that she had read and those she wanted to read.

One of my favorite books from my mom's collection, The Mitford Sisters.

My brother, Ed, wisely, collected up all her books and stored them away, not letting them go in the estate sale. With additional wisdom, my sister-in-law, Sandy, organized a book sorting party a few years back with the family. She and Ed brought out all the boxes of books and with  my brother, Glenn, my hubby and some of the  kids, selected those that interested us most.

I gathered my selection with some focus and a lot with "that looks interesting".  I didn't really know what all I had. That is, until recently.

As I was doing research for my "historical teas" I found a wealth of books on a variety of relevant topics in the bookcase filled with my mom's collection. When I was searching for anything connected to the British aristocracy, once Downton Abbey came on the scene, I came across "The Mitford Sisters" by Mary Lovell.  It's a fascinating account of a wildly eccentric family with connections back to the 1500's, traced to Bess Hardwick. Making this even more extraordinary was my manager had given me the Bess Hardwick biography (also authored  by Mary Lovell) to read only a few months before.

I ended up interviewing Mary Lovell when I was writing for the on-line newspaper, The Examiner. Ms. Lovell thanked me for all I was doing to promote the reading of biographies.

In turn, I thank my mom.

And, now that I'm all about the Gilded Age, with a return visit  to my mom's collection,  I found two of Edith Wharton's most popular books, "House of Mirth" and "Age of Innocence", both of which I've read, courtesy of my mom.

A portion of the bookcase housing my mom's collection

Mother's Day tradition with my kids (aka,  three of "the best grandkids ever"), is to go out to an informal tea and just spend the afternoon together. This year, due to grad school schedules and other conflicting events, our tea will be next weekend - which will be perfect. Doesn't matter the date, just that we'll be together.

Mother's Day tradition of casual tea with the greatest kids!

To my mom, if I'd ever get the chance to make that call, I'd like to say, " I love you, you were right about everything, what do I do now?, the books are great we need to discuss and I filled up the tank today and the gas gauge wasn't even on Empty."  I might add in a whisper, ". . .but the utensil drawer is still crazy messy."

Happy Mother's Day to all and continue to make it one  for the books!!!

A Most Agreeable Austentacious Afternoon with JASNA of Eastern Michigan

Chris H., president of JASNA Eastern Michigan Region, with Barb of BTS

 

This weekend, I presented BTS' Austentacious Tea Talk to the Eastern Michigan chapter of JASNA, aka the "honors class" - and it was an honor to be there.

JASNA members of the Eastern Michigan Region chapter

At the invitation of Chris H., President of JASNA, Eastern Michigan Region and referral from Kathleen S. (who had attended our BTS Jane Austen talk at Birmingham's NEXT), we were excited to be among fellow Austen-enthusiasts during not only the year of the celebrated author's 250th birthday, but also on the day of Masterpiece's premier of "Miss Austen". (See our recent "re-review" on Substack of the book, "Miss Austen" which the television series is based Barbara’s Substack | Barbara Gulley | Substack).

Kathleen S. (center) who referred our tea talk, shares tea with friends and fellow JASNA members.

After our talk, tea was served (Twinings - oh, so appropriate!) with a delicious variety of scones, sweets and savories. It was delightful to share a lovely repast with some of the guests.

As guests arrived. . . 

BTS display of books, TeaTime and teacups!

In addition, we presented two packages of Barb's Tea Service's Double Ginger tea to the two guests who had May birthdays. We also awarded chocolate tea biscuits to the winners of two of our Jane Austen trivia questions (well done, Emma and her dad!).

Aside from a bit of precipitation on our arrival and departure, it was a most agreeable afternoon with an awesome Austen gathering. Thank you to JASNA of Eastern Michigan for the invitation to join you this past weekend!

Barb's Tea Service, an award-winning podcast!

Barb and Chris of Barb's Tea Service receive ONTV's Spirit Award

Barb's Tea Service podcast not only celebrated its one-year anniversary this month, but it also received an award from ONTV Studios, home and mentor of podcast team Barb and Chris Gulley. 

Last week, at ONTV's annual banquet, which brings together all the support and talent (on the latter, personally, we'll add air quotes), Chris - my studio engineer, co-host and arm candy- and I were incredibly surprised and honored to be the recipients of a "spirit" award which recognized the commitment to our weekly studio recording as well as embracing the newer technology of remote podcasting. And, anyone who knows the Barb's Tea Service podcast team, it's not hard to figure out who spearheaded that effort. 

Ian Locke, Executive Director at ONTV, announces Barb and Chris Gulley as spirt award recipients.

In fact, Ian Locke, ONTV Executive Director, recognized Chris as the first to not only "check out" the studio's remote podcasting equipment, but as one who took it to the next step by purchasing equipment for our own "on-the-road" programs.

Meeting up with old friend, Anita K.

The ONTV banquet - our first - was held at Palazzo di Bocce and it was a fun night meeting up with old (hello, Anita!)  and new friends, indulging in delicious food and taking part in a  tribute to the entire ONTV studio team:  staff, volunteers, interns, producers and, yes, even a podcast team featuring a tea lady and her arm candy. 

ONTV banquet showcased BTS podcast's early adoption of remote podcast equipment.

Although a next-day tea event prevented us from staying late to participate in bocce ball, we will make sure we keep the calendar clear next year in order to compete with our ONTV family on the bocce ball lanes. 

Spirit award to be displayed in a place of honor. 

We had to give a shout out to not only Ian, but Joe Johnson, Joey Tysick and Tracy Marsh who keep us focused and field all our questions and come to our aid whenever we've hit the wrong button or pressed no buttons at all. 

Also, thanks to all our "special guests" over the past year:  Rob (times 3!) and Megan and Rik and Carol. We appreciate your engaging contributions!

Arm Candy and BTS podcast tech guru

A delightful surprise to be honored by ONTV!

We're thrilled to be recognized by ONTV, but, honestly, it's icing on the cake.  Our regular trips to the studio feel more like visiting family than just "renting" space. 

Starting our second year, we're ready to expand our production skills, take on more adventures and more tea and tea-adjacent topics. 

As we like to stay at Barb's Tea Service, "please stay tuned".

Treated like Royalty! Downton Abbey-inspired tea talk at Springfield Library

 

BTS duo of Barb G. and Pam B. 

One of the themes of the first Downton Abbey movie, which BTS features in its DA-inspired tea talks, is all the excitement and preparation that goes into entertaining royals - the decor, the food and extraordinary hospitality. This past weekend, we, along with guests at the Springfield Library, received the royal treatment which included a selection of teas served in fine china cups, a variety of scones, biscuits and cookies and lovely tablescapes with personalized napkins and fresh flowers. It was perfect for our afternoon immersed in the manners and etiquette of upper-class English society in the early twentieth century.

Fine china tea cups

Scones, sweets and savories served

At the invite of Cheryl Burtrum, Reference Librarian and head of adult services at Springfield Library, we brought our DA talk of tea and travels to this venue, and we were impressed by the set-up, the locale and, most assuredly, the guests.

Barb G. with Cheryl Burtrum, Springfield Library's Reference Librarian

After the program, many attendees, stayed for another cup of tea and conversation with the BTS duo of Barb G. and Pam B. It was wonderful. 

 Several guests stayed for another cup of coffee and bit more conversation. 

Dressed in a gown that represented the emerging fashions of the "Roaring Twenties" - dropped waist, rising hemlines (not quite yet over the knee!), and pearls -  I also donned a tiara temporarily. But, I didn't really need it - we were treated like royalty with or without the crowns.